Sri Lanka, Feb. 12 -- A leader and his Government should be sensitive towards the predicament of certain individuals who have to suffer for the rest of their lives. Only death can really end their suffering. Any country with such a leader and Government is fortunate. Sri Lanka is one such country. Despite being in the middle of the gravest financial crisis in history, the Government has offered enhanced assistance to the most affected groups in society.

The Government has made arrangements to increase the monthly allowances paid to the elderly, disabled persons and kidney patients from January. The monthly allowance paid to the elderly will be increased from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,000, and the monthly allowance of Rs. 5,000 paid to disabled ...